The 26-year-old has been flirting with the Serie A champions since the days of Roberto Mancini and it now seems that coach Jose Mourinho has been given the green light to open talks with the Blucerchiati over a summer transfer.

Cassano joined the Marassi outfit on loan from Real Madrid in 2007 and the move was made permanent for free last summer, provided Samp pay los Merengues €5 million if the fantasista moves on in the next three years.

The former Bari youngster is tied to the Ligurians until 2013, but he has an escape clause of €18m in his contract.

It is suggested that Inter and Samp are already in advanced negotiations over a fee. David Suazo and midfielder Luis Jimenez could be part of the deal and could move to Genova in part-exchange.

Meanwhile, Twente hitman Marko Arnautovic will land in Milan today to undergo a medical and pen his new contract with the Beneamata.Vince Masiello, Goal.com